Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Bankruptcy and Credit Card Debt
Are you buried in debt due to credit card usage? If so, you’re not alone! Americans have accrued nearly $1.3 trillion in credit card debt and are paying interest rates around 21 percent. With rates like that, making minimum payments each month barely touches the balance owed, leaving borrowers feeling overwhelmed and powerless. At… Read More »
The Alford Plea in Florida
There are situations in which defendants have occasion to use exceptional strategies to deal with their criminal charges. One such possibility is called the Alford plea. It’s a little-known approach defendants might wish to consider under certain limited circumstances. What is it, and when is it a good idea? The Alford Plea Florida law… Read More »
Who’s Who in in Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Proceedings
When filing for bankruptcy, there are many questions debtors face and a slew of people who become quite familiar with your personal financial matters. Before getting too far into the process, it can be comforting to know who some of these people are and what their responsibilities will be. The debtor: That’s you, the… Read More »
Domestic Violence: Support Survivors in Your Life With Conversation
Domestic violence occurs everywhere across society. The FBI reports that the number of domestic violence murder victims topped 11,000 in the past five years, and the number of victims who suffer every day in violent relationships exceeds 1.1 million. And in just the past year, over 70,000 teens experienced violence in a relationship. With… Read More »
What Happens to Retirement Savings in Bankruptcy?
You’ve played by the rules all your life, and yet you still manage to find yourself facing bankruptcy proceedings. It’s a lot to swallow, and one of your biggest concerns is your financial security in your golden years. Does filing for bankruptcy mean you will never get to enjoy the retirement savings you so… Read More »
Toxic Masculinity and Domestic Violence
A question for the ages: what is a real man? Is it the tough guy whose muscles do the talking? The protective figure who never lets on that he’s not sure what to do when a problem arises? The sexy come-on artist who sweeps women off their feet? Whoever or whatever a man is,… Read More »
Crimes of Passion
Generally referred to as a crime of passion, crime passionnel is an offense committed in a moment of deep rage, anguish, or jealousy that is so intense that it impacts a person’s ability to think clearly and rationally. It’s a concept sometimes used in the courtroom, and could mean the difference between being charged… Read More »
What to Know About Involuntary Bankruptcy
While it’s true that many people choose to file bankruptcy as a way to deal with indebtedness, there are those who find themselves in bankruptcy proceedings through no choice of their own. This sort of involuntary bankruptcy is rare for individuals (it’s more commonly used against corporations) but is certainly worth knowing about before… Read More »
Domestic Violence: Find a Shelter Near You
As a survivor of domestic violence (DV), you know that your abuser isn’t going to make necessary changes anytime soon, which means that you and your children remain in danger every single day. While the decision to leave home is a weighty one, it’s one that can lead to immense support and access to… Read More »
How ICE Makes Leaving an Abuser More Difficult
A Utah home went up in flames in July with the entire family inside. An angry husband with a history of violence had set it ablaze, fully intending to die along with his wife and children. The family was from Venezuela, and had endured all manner of abuse from the man, but had not… Read More »